Bangalore Express

103-105, Waterloo Road, London. SE1 8UL

020 7021 0886

Monday 16th July, 2012

There are several striking things about the Bangalore Express - apart from, obviously, the very talented Chef Patron - Yogesh Datta from, 'Painted Heron,' fame. One is the restaurant's menu which is a printed paper table mat. Another, is the unusual elevated seating, which is accessed by only what I can describe as a 'loft ladder.' The younger members of our society find this very exciting and, (Yogesh tells me), will wait forty-five minutes for the opportunity. However, those of us "of a certain age", are thankful for the ground level tables and chairs.

The menu starts with, 'Tapas and Tandoori,' which are designed for mixing and sharing, and includes spicy delicacies such, 'Chicken Wings Cooked with Roasted Spices, served with Onion Fritters - £5.95,' and, 'Lamb Shammi Kebabs in Bombay Frankie Roll £5.95,' and in the photo above, 'Vegetable Samosa Chat with Chickpea Curry £5.95.' If you feel like indulging in something South Indian, which Pat and I do on a regular bases! then you could do no better than order a delicious, 'Dosa.' There are six tempting, 'flavours,' to choose from, with a further two choices of batter - 'Plain,' or, 'Hot Chilli.' However, I am a traditionalist and would eat the, 'Vegetarian with Masala Mash Only,' with the, 'Plain Batter £7.95.' But, I wouldn't blame all of you, 'chilli heads,' out there, to order the, 'Prawn Jalfrezi,' with, 'Hot Chilli Batter £9.50.' The menu does not mention it, but I would expect a little pot of Green Coconut Chutney and another of Red Coconut Chutney, to complement my meal.

Photos Above:The unusual elevated seating, which is accessed by only what I can describe as a 'loft ladder.'

The, 'Big Plates - From Around The World,' are varied and accompanied by their own salad, pickle or rice, but there is nothing to stop you ordering a side or two. My particular favourites are, 'Syrian-Keralan Chicken Stew (mild) with Kerala Red Rice £10.50,' and, 'Pakistani Lamb Shank in Nihari Curry with Butter Naan £11.95.' Both these would be perfectly supported by the, 'Minted Spinach and Paneer,' or the, 'Beetroot and Beans Stir-fried with Curry Leaves,' both priced at £3.95.

A popular dining choice, although there are five listed, are the, 'Thalis.' Now, these are compete meals and very popular all over India. A 'Thali' is a stainless steel plate, which holds several smaller stainless steel bowls, which are called, 'katuri's.' Your choice of, 'Chicken Curry, Paneer Jalfrezi or Malai Kofta,' is served with, 'Black Lentils, Samosa, Pickled Vegetables, Cucumber Raitha, Rice, Spinach Roomali Roti or Naan.' Thali prices start at £13.50 and represent exceptional value for money.